Apple has filed a trademark for “iWatch” in Japan, according to a filing with the Japan Patent Office from early June. The filing, which was reportedly made publicly available last week, is in reference to an Apple “handheld computer” or “watch device.” Earlier this month, reports had claimed that Apple filed for an “iWatch” trademark in Russia, but the claims at the time seemed uncorroborated. Now, with Apple having filed the same trademark in Japan, perhaps the claims from Russia are accurate.

An Apple smart watch, however, is on the hotlist for rumors. If Apple is gearing up to release new product line, it will want to secure branding rights to its name. That's what makes this iWatch trademark filings particularly curious.